VP Shettima Urges To Prioritize Girl Child Education Amid Alarming School Dropout Rates

Vice President Kashim Shettima noted that the number of girls dropping out of school in northern Nigeria is very concerning and emphasized the importance of prioritizing education for girls in the country.

During the International Conference on Girl Child Education in Nigeria, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, the vice president called for a united effort from various sectors to tackle the gender-based barriers that prevent access to quality education.

Shettima said that governments at all levels, traditional leaders, religious leaders, civil society organizations (CSOs), and donor community partners must work together with a shared goal to ensure that every Nigerian child, regardless of gender or location, receives a quality education.

The vice president - who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia - said, "Whatever reforms we adopt to build a safe space for educating the girl child must be championed from within our communities."

He added, "Policymaking involves all of us, and we must engage local leaders, traditional rulers, and religious figures to understand the implications of failing to educate the future of this nation," as per the official statement issued on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The vice president stressed that education is the most powerful tool for empowering girls, emphasizing the need to improve educational programs that educate girls and women about their rights and the dangers they face if they are not allowed to make informed choices, particularly regarding health.

He urged the government's partners in the donor community including the World Bank and the African Development Bank, to make a significant impact on this issue. He expressed that the dignity of the girl child is a reflection of every civilization.

Shettima highlighted that it is not enough to just recognize the challenges; there is a responsibility to lead the nation in prioritizing the education of girls and other vulnerable children. He warned that the country cannot ignore these issues as the consequences could be severe.

The vice president highlighted statistics on out-of-school children in Nigeria, referencing the latest Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), noting that every child left on the streets will become a burden that the nation will have to deal with in the future.

He noted that a child who is out of school today could pose a threat to their classmates tomorrow. Shettima stressed that we cannot ignore this reality and that there is an urgent need for creative and innovative solutions to address the issue.

Earlier this week, the first lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu stressed that focusing on early childhood education was an effective way to shape a child's life and ensure a strong future for both the individual and the nation.